Dan H.

Guys,
I am going for try #2 to put my intake back on. Using Black RTV this time instead of the cork. My question is regarding these metal inserts in the center water port, it appears pink in the picture. Do I need to open these up, or do I leave them as they are? Why do they narrow it down so much more than the opening in the manifold and heads?

7t9l82

thats not a water port. it is an exhaust crossover to heat the intake.

Shark Racer

If you're running emissions and your manifold supports EGR, or you have a hot air choke (and your manifold supports it) you'll need that.

It's also there to prevent icing - do you drive in really cold weather?

Otherwise, I'd recommend leaving it blocked.

TimAT

At least leave the restriction in place.

Be sure and wipe the end rails where you're going to use RTV with alcohol or something to remove all traces of oil. RTV won't seal if it can't stick.

Dan H.

Thanks guys. No emissions on this car and no use in cold weather. I'd love to put more than a thousand miles on it a year!

Thanks, I'm constantly learning!

TimAT

Since you don't use it in cold weather and no emission to deal with, cut a slice out of your favorite beverage can that is just a little bigger than the hole in the intake and cover it up.
Keeping the heat out from under the carb will make it a little more temperamental when it's cold, but results in a cooler fuel air mixture which is good for performance. That's why they came up with the "Air-Gap" manifolds- to get the heat away from the carb.

oldschoolvette